By Gerrino J. Saunders
Journal Staff Writer

There was a time when teachers who poured their heart and soul into the
profession often times going the extra mile if not two or three, would feel as
though their efforts and passion for the job went unappreciated or unnoticed. Well
the Ministry of Education heard those concerns and a few years ago decided to
host a red carpet style annual end of year awards ceremony for teachers,
administrators and students that excel.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Phillip Davis attended this years’
recent Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training ‘Excellence in
Education 2024′ Awards Ceremony held at Atlantis Resort where he said education
is not simply about imparting knowledge but about “nurturing potential, igniting
curiosity, and building character.”
The Prime Minister said, “It is about equipping our young people with the tools
they need to navigate a world that is rapidly changing, increasingly complex, and
full of challenges and opportunities we can scarcely imagine today.”
The Prime Minister also noted that the event celebrates the dedication, resilience,
and passion of the nation’s educators, whose work is foundational.
While referencing a recent World Bank Report that was highlighted at last week’s
CARICOM meeting in Barbados which pointed out that the region is challenged
by outdated teaching methods, infrastructure challenges, and significant
inequalities in educational access that demand immediate attention, Mr. Davis told
those at the awards ceremony that the report is not an indictment on the
government because they are making positive strides in education.
He said, “Let me be clear; this is not an indictment of our government’s efforts.
We have made meaningful progress and important strides forward. However, it is
a candid acknowledgement that there is still significant work ahead of us.”

Continuing Mr. Davis said, “As Prime Minister and as a father and grandfather, I
deeply believe we owe it to our children to confront these realities openly and
honestly. Our children deserve nothing less that our full commitment to
overcoming these barriers.”
Mr. Davis stressed that the government’s goal is to build on the country’s
successes and address the challenges head-on, transforming The Bahamas’
education system into a powerful force for equity, opportunity, and hope.
Also attending the awards ceremony were Governor General Dame Cynthia Pratt
and Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin.
The Education Minister explained that the event was a star-studded stellar one to
highlight and celebrate the most outstanding educators, administrators, technical
officers and guidance counsellors in the nation’s public school system.
“The movers and shakers in our education system – tonight the spotlight is on
you.”
Some of the awards given out that night included the Innovation Award, the
Resilience Award, the Longest Serving with Excellence Award, the School Spirit
Award and the Best Practice Award.
The Education Minister said the pool of nominees for each category has been deep
and rich, and the competition, stiff.
“This is demonstrative of the high professional standards and the culture of
excellence which exists in this profession in this country.”
She also noted that it is essential that those who hold responsibility in the public
education system are raised up to the nation. 
“You have been assigned a task and given an undertaking that is at the centre of
our national development – a complex multi-faceted vocation that is to shape,
mould and prepare the next generation to assume the reins of every particular part
of the nation’s reality.
“To ensure that the next generation is adept, agile, grounded — rational problem
solvers – a new people who are innovative, empathetic, skilled, morally
courageous, intellectually acute and confident.”

The Minister said, “It is clear that you cannot do this on your own.  In pursuit of
these high goals, the roles and obligations of parents cannot be overstated.”
She explained that this was clearly evident in a recent University of The Bahamas
study commissioned by the Ministry to investigate the factors which influence
student outcomes.
“It was found that parents have a critical primary role in this mission of equipping
our young people of tomorrow and securing the future of The Bahamas.”
The Minister added that the wider society including corporate Bahamas and policy
makers have a part to play as well.
She said the Government continues to recognize the importance of educators.  “It
is why in the most recent industrial agreement, salaries and benefits were increased
for teachers and administrators and technical officers, career paths finalized or
revitalized and promotions implemented, most recently including our guidance
councilors.”
The Education Minister said the Ministry will continue to work on creating
facilitating environments and professional development opportunities.  “It is a
work in progress, but I ask you to understand and accept that at the foundation of
all that we do, we seek to create a stronger nation to work collaboratively with you
with the pure intent and singular motive of advancing the cause of our nation’s
children and young people.”
She added, “You have helped to navigate this country [through] one of the most
profound challenges in education during the pandemic years and the fallout
associated with that.  I know that you will continue to give your all so that when all
is said and done, The Bahamas will emerge stronger than ever.”